The Science of Poetry: Why Our Brains Prefer the Endecasyllable

The Science of Poetry: Why Our Brains Prefer the Endecasyllable

Poetry has always held a special place in human culture, captivating our minds and hearts with its rhythmic and melodic language. But have you ever wondered why certain poetic structures and patterns resonate more with us than others? The answer lies in the science behind it.

According to Francisco Javier Tapiador, the dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry in Toledo, Spain, poetry follows a set of rules and patterns that make a poem either successful or not. These patterns, such as rhyme and rhythm, are what scientists aim to uncover in order to understand why certain poems work and others don't.

One particular poetic structure that our brains find appealing is the endecasyllable, a verse consisting of eleven syllables. In the Spanish language, these endecasyllables have a unique sound and structure that captures our attention and pleases our brains. Tapiador explains that in other languages, such as French, the appeal may lie in twelve-syllable verses, while in English, shorter verses are preferred.

Within the eleven syllables of the endecasyllable, there are various ways to arrange accents, creating different tones and emotions in the verses. This has led to the development of a whole theory on meter and rhythm, which has been studied by metric theorists since the 18th century.

Through their research, scientists have concluded that in Spanish, the endecasyllable achieves a perfect balance. Even when poets write in free verse or blank verse, they still produce sequences of endecasyllables that, although they may not rhyme, carry the same rhythmic quality that evokes a special sensation in our sensibilities.

The appeal of the endecasyllable is not limited to the Spanish language alone. In 1923, the poet Rainer Maria Rilke reached his poetic peak with the publication of his "Elegies of Duino." Over a decade, Rilke wrote ten elegies that marked the culmination of his poetic journey. These elegies were characterized by moments of inspiration, epiphany, and angelic visions.

Rilke's poetic process involved stripping away the personal and embracing impersonalization, as explained by José María Valverde, one of his great translators. The purpose was not to provoke grand ideas or emotions in the reader, but rather to provide lived experiences that would illuminate life itself. This required a new perspective, one of angelic vision, which became the key to Rilke's poetic phase.

Rilke deviated from the two major poetic currents of his time, the one influenced by Mallarmé and the one perpetuating German lyricism. Instead, he sought to view the world from the perspective of an angel, offering a different outlook on life. This shift allowed him to delve into the true essence of his poetic task, exploring the interconnectedness of everything and embracing a sense of vast maternity.

In combining the insights from Tapiador's research on the endecasyllable in Spanish poetry and Rilke's poetic transformation through angelic vision, we can see a common thread. Both highlight the importance of structure and perspective in creating powerful and resonant poetry.

So, what can we learn from these revelations in the science of poetry? Here are three actionable pieces of advice for aspiring poets:

1. Pay attention to the structure: Experiment with different poetic structures and meters to find the ones that best convey your message and evoke the desired emotions in your readers.

2. Explore different perspectives: Don't be afraid to step outside of conventional thought and explore new perspectives in your poetry. Whether it's viewing the world through the lens of an angel or embracing a broader interconnectedness, fresh perspectives can breathe new life into your work.

3. Balance tradition and innovation: While it's essential to understand the traditional poetic forms and techniques, don't be afraid to innovate and experiment. Just as Rilke deviated from the norm while still maintaining the rhythmic quality of endecasyllables, you can find a balance between tradition and innovation to create unique and impactful poetry.

In conclusion, the science of poetry reveals that our brains are naturally drawn to certain poetic structures, such as the endecasyllable in Spanish. By understanding the patterns and structures that make poetry resonate with us, we can create more impactful and meaningful verses. So, embrace the science, experiment with structure and perspective, and find your unique voice in the world of poetry.